Winneshiek County Sanitary Landfill

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Landfill Safety Rules

Safety Rules approved March 11th, 2013 by the Solid Waste Agency

Speed Limits: Speed limit on the scale is not to exeed 2 mph. On landfill property other than the scale speeds are not to exceed 20 mph. This is necessary for everyone’s safety. Sudden stops and starts on the scale will not be tolerated, as scale damage may result. Any party who causes damage to the scale will be responsible for repairs.

Stop Signs: All waste hauling vehicles must come to a full and complete stop at all stop signs.

Secured Loads: All vehicles must have secured loads that prevent any leakage, littering or run off of waste material or fluids. Tarps are to be used that are secured tightly to the load, water resistant and not torn. No exposed waste material should be visible. Drivers are not to prepare for unloading until arrival at the designated area of the landfill inside the fenced-in area, described as the working face. No tailgate of a vehicle is to be loosened or opened prior to unloading at the active working face.

Covered Load Policy: To avoid an additional $20.00 fee, all loads brought to the landfill must be entirely covered with a tarp. This includes lumber and large objects. Ropes alone are not considered a cover. Certain “difficult to cover loads” may be exempted on a case by case basis by staff.

Stuck Vehicles: Due to conditions of a landfill operation and lack of properly equipped ties on vehicles, there may be times that vehicles become stuck in the active area of a landfill. When this occurs the following guidelines will be in affect: Driver is responsible for the vehicle and any damage resulting from the towing or pushing. Driver is to request assistance from the landfill operator for a push or pull. Driver is responsible for hooking the truck to the landfill equipment with the driver’s tow chain.

Departure: Drivers are to inspect their vehicles to make sure that they are clear of any waste debris prior to exiting the active area of the landfill. This includes clearing any waste from the roll-off boxes, closing the tailgate and re-tarping the vehicle if necessary to prevent leaking or littering. Boxes are to be lowered before exiting the active work face of the landfill to avoid debris and nails being strung along the roadways.

Penalties: Any violations of these rules and regulations will result in an enforcement action that ranges from a written warning to suspension of landfill dumping privileges. Please request a copy of the Violation Form for specific guidelines on the enforcement action.

Conduct: All persons entering the landfill will follow all instructions by landfill personnel and must follow landfill policies and posted rules for their own safety. Any person and/or persons refusing to follow all landfill rules, speed limits, policies, and instructions will be suspended from the premises and the use of the landfill until further notice. Factors contributing to suspension can include, but are not limited to, an individual being discourteous, disrespectful or disruptive, driving recklessly, or not abiding by Agency rules and guidelines.

Smoking: Smoking is prohibited.

Acceptable Material for Disposal: Users may only dispose at the landfill in accordance with permitted procedures; commercial, residential, and construction and demolition waste which originates from Winneshiek, Clayton, and Howard counties in Iowa, Fillmore county in Minnesota, and the city of Postville in Iowa.

Items Not Acceptable for Disposal: Items not acceptable for disposal include asbestos, liquids (such as paints, solvents, fuels, antifreeze), batteries, tires, yard waste, animals, hazardous, radioactive or infections waste, Freon containers, cardboard, fluorescent tubes, ballasts, untreated sewage, sludge, rechargeable batteries and cell phones, hot loads . This list is not all inclusive and can change at any time. Landfill personnel have the right to refuse any material and/or load.

Household Hazardous Waste: may be disposed of at the Winneshiek County Recycling facility at 2510 172nd Avenue in Decorah. It is part of the main recycling plant in Freeport and is open from 6 am-2:30 pm, Monday thru Friday. Household hazardous materials in Iowa are defined as motor oils, oil filters, gasoline, diesel additives, degreasers, waxes, polishes, solvents and paints (with the exception of latex-based paint), lacquers, thinners, caustic household cleaners, spot and stain removers with a petroleum base, and petroleum based fertilizers. This program is at no cost to residents of Winneshiek County. Businesses and farms are classified as commercial generators and disposal fees may apply.

Recyclable Items: Televisions, computer monitors and CPUs, and appliances are collected for off-site recycling at the landfill at a rate of $18.00 per item. Fluorescent ballasts are also collected at a rate of $8.00 per item.

User Responsibility: User hereby acknowledges that Winneshiek County Sanitary Landfill shall assume no responsibility for screening, examining or inspecting any or all loads delivered by User, except User shall permit, and hereby give its consent to allow Winneshiek County Sanitary Landfill to examine, screen and/or inspect any or all loads at any time. User has the responsibility, to the best of their ability, to ensure waste delivered was generated in the Agency’s planning area and does not contain any hazardous waste. Commercial haulers shall inform, and have agreements with, their clients to facilitate compliance. Winneshiek County Sanitary Landfill reserves the right to refuse any load it feels do no meet requirements.